Q.) What is the difference between portable and automatic standby generator systems?

A.) The differences really have to do with the steps needed to have emergency power flowing into your house in the event of a power outage. Portable systems are wheeled units that require you to roll the generator outside, start it up and hook it up to a power inlet box. From there, you must go to the transfer switch panel installed near your circuit breakers and switch the power coming into your house from the main line to the generator running outside. After the power from your local utility is restored, you are required to reverse the setup process.

One of the clear advantages with an automatic Standby Generator System is that the unit turns itself on and off automatically without you ever having to leave the safety of your home. Automatic Standby Generator Systems also exercise themselves once a week. You can even set the time when the unit will perform this diagnostics check. The generator will then be ready to run whenever needed.

Q.) What Size Standby Generator Do I Need to Run Electric Items in My House During a Power Outage?

A.) The best way to size your home for a generator is to have a load analysis completed by Generator Solutions. The most common items that need emergency power during a blackout are the furnace blower motor, air conditioning unit, refrigerator, freezer, appliance circuit, microwave, lights, TV, water well, septic system and water pumps.

Q.) Does Motor Starting Require Different Wattage?

A.) Induction motors require larger amounts of electricity for initial startup than when they are running. Some appliances and tools, such as your refrigerator/freezer, furnace fan, air conditioner, electric chain saw, weed trimmer, etc. may require more watts than normal running wattage for motor starting. This must be considered when sizing a generator to meet your needs.

Q.) What Does a Standby Generator System Typically Cost?

A.) When you choose the safety, reliability and automatic operation of a Standby Generator System, there are several items that contribute to the total cost. The cost of the system includes the generator itself, a power transfer switch and installation charges. Optional maintenance contracts can also add to cost if you choose one. Installation costs may vary, depending on customer requirements. A professional estimate, per the customer's request will help to ensure an accurate estimate of installation costs.

Q.) What Happens in a Typical Installation?

A.) A basic installation includes:

Delivery of the system.

The transfer switch is then hardwired by the electrical contractor into the home or business.

The transfer switch should be installed within 2 feet of the main distribution panel and 30 feet of the generator inlet box.

Final startup inspection of system and completion of startup form should be completed by the electrical contractor or startup service provider.

Cleanup of installation debris after installation is completed.
Consumer is responsible for making arrangements to provide all necessary gas service and connections.

Should you ever need service, you can count on Generator Solutions.

Q.) Can I Run a Computer or Other Sensitive Electronic Equipment Off the Generator During a Power Outage?

A.) Yes, the power coming from your generator is just as safe as what you normally have coming out of the wall socket. The spikes or surges that accompany power generation (also known as "harmonic distortion") are just a normal aspect of electricity. However, when considering sensitive or expensive electronic equipment running off a wall outlet, you should use a good surge protector to guard against small influxes in power.

Q.) Can I Install the Unit Myself or Does Someone Else Need to?

A.) It is recommended that you have your Standby Generator System (generator and transfer switch) installed by a licensed electrical contractor. Failure to do so could be dangerous for both family members, as well as outside repair workers trying to fix downed power lines. In addition, improper installation could void your warranty.

Q.) What's the Difference Between Running and Starting Watts?

A.) The running watts of a generator equals the amount of power the unit can produce continuously, while the starting wattage is the additional power that the generator can produce for short periods of time to start items in your home that require larger amounts of electricity for initial startup than when they are running.

Q.) Do I Need to Start the Generator Frequently When it is Not Being Used?

One of the advantages of Residential Standby Generator Systems is that they are designed to run or "exercise" once a week for 20 minutes. All you have to do is program when you want this task to be performed and it will start up automatically. During this time, it will lubricate the engine and charge up the included battery.

Q.) How Long Will a Unit Run Before I Have to Let it Cool Down or Refill it with Fuel?

A.) One of the clear advantages of the Standby Generator Systems are that they do not need to be refueled as often, if at all, because they run off LP (Propane) or NG (Natural Gas). Additionally, rest periods to allow cooling are not necessary on liquid cooled units. However, you will need to turn off the unit before refueling (if applicable) or when checking the oil levels, which should be done on a regular basis after extended use. (Refer to your owner’s guide for instructions.)

Q.) Do I Have to Worry About Back-Feed if the Generator is Running When the Power Comes Back On?

A.) No. All of our transfer switches are designed to keep generator back- feed from occurring. When the contractor installs the transfer system into a house or small business, they will also hard wire the switch directly into the circuit breaker. When the home is running off of the generator, it automatically separates the power coming in from the utilities and the generator, preventing damage to your house. Only when the system switches back to power will the appliances assigned to the generator then receive power from the homeowner's utility. With the Automatic Standby Generator System, the unit senses when the power has been restored and automatically switches back to utility power before shutting down.

Q.) Who Do I Call if I Have Any Questions or Maintenance Issues?

A.) Generator Solutions at 1-888-489-1008. We are always here to help.

Q.) Can I Vent Exhaust Out of an Enclosed Area?

A.) No. Carbon monoxide gases produced by the engine can be deadly. Portable Generators are designed to run outside where there is plenty of ventilation. Never run these units inside a home or enclosed area.

Q.) Can I Run the Generator Inside My Home?

A.) No. A generator has an internal combustion engine and uses gas and oil. The exhaust from running the generator contains lethal carbon monoxide. Therefore, this unit should always be placed in a well- ventilated area.